Toyota Repair: 2002 Celica GTS clutch, 2002 celica gts, clutch replacement

Question
I just test drove a 2002 Toyota Celica GTS 6-speed at a reputable dealership. I noticed that I nearly had to let the clutch all the way out in order to shift smoothly. It currently has 75K. I currently have a '94 celica that showed similar signs but didn't need a clutch replacement until 110K. I was told at the dealership it may have been "just the design of the car". I just want to make sure that if I do purchase this vehicle that I am not in for a $1100.00 surprise. Is there anything else I should look for as a warning sign of the clutch needing to be replaced?

Answer
The best advice I can give you is to have another dealer if possible check it out, most dealers or even an independent shop can objectively check the car out for a fee of around $85-90, ask them to do a pre-purchase inspection with a printout, if the selling dealer doesn't agree to this then I would pass up on this deal, or you could just buy it and take a chance on spending some money on repairs.